The Warsangeli clan has issued a decisive call for unity and self-defense amidst ongoing violence in Erigavo. Convening a landmark conference in El Buh, the clan’s leaders, elders, intellectuals, and diaspora representatives rallied under the leadership of Sultan Said Sultan Abdulsalan to address the tensions with the Somaliland government and its allies.
The Sultan’s words carried an unwavering resolve, encapsulating the urgency of the moment: “We will stand united in defense of our lives and our future.” The conference adopted a series of resolutions aimed at safeguarding the Warsangeli people and their properties, particularly in Erigavo, where violence has reached critical levels. A 35-member committee has been formed to ensure the implementation of these measures.
Erigavo, the capital of the Sanaag region, remains a hotspot for clashes rooted in clan rivalries and political discord. The Warsangeli leadership accuses the Somaliland government of using force to marginalize specific clans as part of its effort to solidify control over the disputed area.
In contrast, the Somaliland government maintains that its actions are necessary to ensure stability and sovereignty in the region. Praising the Somaliland National Army, the Ministry of Internal Security described their operations as critical to maintaining order in Erigavo and safeguarding all residents. In an attempt to de-escalate the situation following November’s clashes, Somaliland imposed a curfew and urged humanitarian organizations to assist displaced families, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the needs of all Sanaag’s communities.
Despite these measures, the Warsangeli clan remains resolute in its accusations and its determination to protect its people. The El Buh conference called on international humanitarian organizations to provide urgent assistance to displaced families who are grappling with hunger, illness, and displacement. Somalia’s federal Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation echoed this plea, urging an immediate end to hostilities in Erigavo between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khatumo.
The Warsangeli leadership has announced plans for a larger assembly in El Buh, scheduled for February 15, 2025, to further consolidate their strategy and address the ongoing crisis. Sultan Abdulsalan’s closing remarks underscored the clan’s steadfast resolve: “We will not break. We will protect our people and secure our future, no matter what lies ahead.”
As the region teeters on the brink, the unfolding events in Sanaag highlight the complex interplay of clan dynamics, territorial disputes, and political rivalries. The Warsangeli clan’s call for unity and self-determination serves as both a response to immediate threats and a declaration of their enduring resolve in the face of adversity.
